Jackson, MS – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality announces the availability of the 2024-25 application for the Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program. All public school districts are encouraged to apply for rebates of up to 25% toward replacing 2009 and older school buses with new, cleaner buses. Eligible replacement buses may be powered by diesel, gasoline, propane, or a zero-emissions power source (e.g., battery or fuel cell). MDEQ expects to award upwards of $500,000 in rebates to selected school districts through a competitive application process, contingent on federal grant funding.
The Mississippi Diesel School Bus Replacement Program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Grants Program. The program aims to reduce emissions from diesel school buses by encouraging the early retirement of older models. Since its launch in 2014, the program has awarded more than $2.9 million to 63 school districts, facilitating the replacement of 170 school buses.
For more information and application details, visit www.mdeq.ms.gov/air/diesel-emission-reduction-grant-program or contact:
- David Matranga
Phone: 601-961-5536
Email: dmatranga@mdeq.ms.gov - Jaricus Whitlock
Phone: 601-961-5303
Email: jwhitlock@mdeq.ms.gov
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